The 7-foot Koufos, who is 22, was told by a doctor this offseason that his growth plates were still open. And while he isn’t taller than he was last season, the possibility remains that Koufos could inch higher.

Or broader. Koufos, a three-year veteran, said this morning that his wingspan is now 7-7.

It may all be extremely relevant to the Nuggets this season, as coach George Karl said this week that he expects Koufos to be part of the rotation. It’s a role that would grow if Nene leaves Denver as a free agent.

“I’m going to maximize any opportunity I get,” Koufos said. “I’ll work hard every day, and stay focused.”

Asked about the impact of Nene potentially leaving, Koufos said, “Nene’s a great player. We (would) still have the pieces to the puzzle and we’re just going to work hard and fight through everything.”

Koufos got back into town on Sunday. He played with the Greek national team this offseason at EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania, where he averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 11 games.

“It was a blessing,” Koufos said of his offseason. “I worked hard all summer at the European championships, came back home and worked out twice a day. I’m ready to get back at it.”